Effect of three different Pilates sessions on energy expenditure and aerobic metabolism in healthy females

Abstract

The Pilates method has become a popular exercise modality. However, there is little information on the energy expenditure (EE) and aerobic metabolism involved in a Pilates session. This study aimed to compare the EE of three different types of Pilates sessions. Thirty-three sedentary women (22.03 ± 3.32 years old) performed three Pilates sessions: (1) a traditional session (TS): single set, low volume of repetitions, and long rest interval; (2) non-traditional session (NSS): single set, a high volume of repetitions, and short rest interval; and (3) non-traditional session (NMS): multiple sets and short rest interval. In each session, EE per minute (EE/min), total EE (TEE), oxygen consumption (V’O2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and metabolic equivalent were determined via a gas analyzer. Heart rate (HR) was measured via a HR monitor. Repeated measures two-way ANOVA (time × session) followed by Tukey test were used to compare differences in each variable for the sessions (P ≤ 0.05). When compared to the TS session, the non-traditional sessions resulted in greater EE/min, TEE, V’O2, RER, and mean HR (P < 0.001). TEE in NMS was also greater than NSS (P < 0.001). Our findings indicate that a non-traditional approach to Pilates, with multiple sets, high repetitions, and a shorter rest interval induces greater metabolic cost than a traditional Pilates session. However, the total caloric cost of high-volume protocols such as the NMS performed in this study is small compared to aerobic exercise and does not contribute significantly to daily EE.